Gun midfielder Clayton Oliver is set to return from a hamstring injury in a boost to Melbourne's on-ball division for the King's Birthday blockbuster with Collingwood.
Oliver sat out for the second straight match on Friday night as the Demons put their season back on the right path with a scrappy 17-point win over Carlton.
The result snapped a two-match losing skid, with the Dees' midfield dominant despite Brownlow Medal fancy Oliver's absence.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin confirmed Oliver and experienced defender Michael Hibberd, who was rested, will return for the June 12 clash with Collingwood.
"(Oliver) is giving himself more than a chance," Goodwin said.
"He was giving himself a chance for this week, so he's circled it.
"He's got 10 more days to get himself right. He'll be playing."
Christian Petracca was outstanding without midfield partner Oliver against Carlton, racking up 32 disposals, 18 contested possessions, eight clearances and a goal.
Jack Viney (20 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles) was also tough in the clinches as the Demons dominated clearances (38-29) and contested possession (148-122).
"(Petracca) is having an outstanding season, there's no question about that," Goodwin said.
"He's in really good form but I was just rapt with the whole midfield group. We got our stoppage game going and they shared the load.
"Without Clayton there - he's a pretty big stoppage player for us and clearance player - to get that type of dominance against their midfield with the boys we had was fantastic."
Goodwin felt Melbourne took a step forward against Carlton, following losses to Port Adelaide and Fremantle.
But they face a huge challenge against Collingwood, who sit on top of the ladder and are expected to comfortably account for lowly West Coast on Saturday.
"It's going to be a great occasion," Goodwin said of the King's Birthday clash.
"Clearly they're the hot topic, the team to beat, they're exciting.
"We go into a big game, hopefully we get 90,000 people and we'll be up for it."
Jake Bowey will miss the Collingwood encounter after he was concussed by an accidental knee to the head from teammate Jake Lever in a marking contest on Friday night.
